Inflation control valve

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a fluid control means for an inflation system. The control directs fluid flow from an inlet to one or more outlets of the control. The outlets are independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet by through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inlet and a selected outlet by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired outlet. Each outlet is independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet in various orientations of the control.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/627,865, which is a continuation application of PCT Application No.PCT/US2013/056518, which was filed on Aug. 23, 2013 and claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/692,614, filedAug. 23, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/701,475,filed Sep. 14, 2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Orthopedic braces are often used to provide support to injured limbs.For example, ankle braces, knee braces and wrist braces are used when abone is fractured or a ligament is sprained, or under conditions ofarthritis or other injuries to aid a patient's recovery by supportingthe injured area until it heals and regains strength. Patient comfort isan important consideration in designing and applying these braces, andmost braces include cushioning that provides comfort for a user wearingthe brace. This cushioning is usually in the form of a foam pad or othercompressible material lining the inside of the brace and contacting thepatient's skin. In addition to foam pads, some braces also includeinflatable components to provide comfort and allow a user to adjust thelevel of compression provided by the brace. An external pump or valve isprovided to allow the user to increase or decrease the amount of fluidin the inflatable component and thereby adjust the amount of compressionprovided by the brace.

While the use of inflatable components gives the user some control overcompression, these cells often require an external pump in order toinflate and deflate the brace pads. If the pump is connected to thebrace, it can be a bulky extra component on the outside of the brace,which can impair the wearability of the brace. If the pump is detachablefrom the brace, it may be inconvenient for the user to carry around sothat he or she can inflate or deflate the brace, and the pump may belost when it is not connected to the brace.

In many braces, a single pump and valve inflates or deflates theinflatable cells of the brace all to an equal pressure which does notallow a user to independently control the pressures in differentinflatable cells in a brace. If a user desires more compression in onearea and less in another, such a brace is unable to provide thecustomized compression desired by the user. In other braces, eachinflatable cell of the brace has its own port that allows the user toselectively inflate or deflate individual cells. In these braces,multiple valves are provided with either multiple pumps connected to thevalves or a single pump that is moved from valve to valve as needed toindependently control the inflation and deflation of the correspondingindividual cells. The pumps provided, such as hand-pump bulbs, areinconvenient to handle and can be easily lost if detached from thebrace.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing braceshaving an on-board pump that inflates or deflates multiple inflatablecells. The braces provided include a control that allows a user toselect between individual cells of the brace for inflation or deflation.A user selects an individual inflation cell using the control and thenactivates either a pump or release valve to inflate or deflate the cellto a desired compression pressure. With this control, the user is ableto customize the compression provided in different areas of the brace.Additionally, the on-board pump is housed on the brace by a low-profileconnection and reduces the inconvenience of having an external pump.

According to one aspect, a valve for use in an inflatable orthopedicdevice includes an inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, and aninternal fluid flow control that is positionable in two or moreorientations. A first fluid path passing through the center of thecontrol is created between the inlet port and a first of the outletports when the control is positioned in a first orientation, and asecond fluid path passing through the center of the control is createdbetween the inlet port and a second of the outlet ports when the controlis positioned in a second orientation.

In certain implementations, the control includes a diverter that rotateswithin a manifold body. The diverter has an interior channel thatdirects air from the inlet port to a first outlet port when the controlis in the first orientation. The interior channel comprises a funnelinlet and an outlet that is narrower than the funnel inlet. The funnelinlet is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the control ineach of the first and second orientations of the control.

In certain implementations, the control includes an outer housing and aninner flow director, the outer housing having a plurality of flowpassages, and each flow passage passing from an inner opening in aninterior surface of the outer housing to an outer opening at an end ofone of the inlet or outlet ports. The inner flow director comprises aninterior flow channel, the interior flow channel having first and secondopenings in an outer surface of the inner flow director. The firstopening of the interior flow channel is in fluid communication with theopening of the inlet port in the interior surface of the outer housingwhen the control is positioned in each of the first and secondorientations. The second opening of the interior flow channel is influid communication with an opening of a first of the plurality ofoutlet ports in the interior surface of the outer housing when thecontrol is position in the first orientation, and the second opening ofthe interior flow channel is in fluid communication with an opening of asecond of the plurality of outlet ports in the interior surface of theouter housing when the control is position in the second orientation.

In certain implementations, at least one of the inlet port and theplurality of outlet ports extends at a downward angle from an exteriorsurface of the control. Each of the inlet port and the plurality ofoutlet ports has a flow channel that extends at a downward angle from anexterior surface of the control. Each of the inlet port and theplurality of outlet ports has a first opening at the exterior end of theport, each of the first openings lying in a first common plane. Each ofthe inlet port and the plurality of outlet ports has a second opening atthe interior end of the port, at least one of the second openings lyingin a second plane different than and parallel to the first common plane.Each of the inlet port and the plurality of outlet ports has a secondopening at the interior end of the port, each of the second openingslying in a second plane different than and parallel to the first commonplane.

In certain implementations, the first fluid flow path passes from anexterior opening of the inlet port upward at an angle into the center ofthe control, across the center of the control, and downward at an anglethrough an exterior opening of the first of the plurality of outletports. The second fluid flow path passes from an exterior opening of theinlet port upward at an angle into the center of the control, across thecenter of the control, and downward at an angle through an exterioropening of the second of the plurality of outlet ports.

In certain implementations, the control comprises a rotatable dial. Thedial comprises a rotatable dome shaped body coupled to the control. Thedome shaped body comprises a concave inner portion, and the controlextends from the concave inner portion. The inlet port and plurality ofoutlet ports extend from the control within the concave inner portion.The control is adjusted from the first orientation to the secondorientation through rotation of the dial. In certain implementations, awindow is included in the rotatable dial, and an indicator of controlpositioning is viewable through the window. A first indicator isviewable through the window in the first orientation of the control, anda second indicator is viewable through the window in the secondorientation of the control.

In certain implementations, The dial further comprises controlpositioning indicators on an exterior surface of the dial. A firstindicator of the positioning indicators is viewable in the firstorientation of the control, and a second indicator of the positioningindicators is viewable in the second orientation of the control. Incertain implementations, a convex surface on the dial is positionedopposite the concave portion. Ridges extend from the convex surface ofthe dial. A force applied to the ridges rotates the dial.

According to one aspect, an inflatable orthopedic support systemincludes a valve, a plurality of inflatable cells in fluid communicationwith the valve, and an inflation component in fluid communication withthe valve.

In certain implementations, the valve includes a diverter that rotateswithin a manifold body. The diverter has an interior channel thatdirects air from the inlet port to a first outlet port when the valve isin the first orientation. The interior channel comprises a funnel inletand an outlet that is narrower than the funnel inlet. The funnel inletis in fluid communication with the inlet port of the control in each ofthe first and second orientations of the valve.

In certain implementations, a fluid flow tube has a first end in fluidcommunication with the inflation component and a second end in fluidcommunication with the valve. Each of the plurality of inflatable cellsis in fluid communication with a first end of one of a plurality offluid flow tubes, and each of the plurality of fluid flow tubes has asecond end in fluid communication with the valve.

In certain implementations, the valve further comprises tabs extendingoutward from a bottom surface of the valve, the tabs having throughholes to receive fasteners that secure the valve to a support structureof the system. A fluid release is in fluid communication with the valve,wherein actuation of the fluid release allows fluid to escape from thesupport system. The orthopedic support system is an orthopedic walkingboot configured to support a wearer's lower leg.

According to one aspect, a method of operating a valve includespositioning a control in a first orientation, passing fluid into aninlet port of the valve, through the center of the control, and througha first outlet port of the valve, positioning the control in a secondorientation, and passing fluid into the inlet port of the valve, throughthe center of the control, and through a second outlet port of thevalve.

In certain implementations, passing fluid into the inlet port comprisespassing fluid from a first opening at an exterior end of the inlet portto a second opening at an interior end of the inlet port, and passingfluid through the first outlet port comprises passing fluid from a thirdopening at an interior end of the outlet port to a fourth opening at anexterior end of the outlet port. The inlet port is angled upward intothe control from the first end to the second end, and the outlet port isangled downward away from the control from the third end to the fourthend.

In certain implementations, positioning the control in the secondorientation comprises actuating a dial that rotates the control from thefirst orientation to the second orientation. The method includesrotating the control until a position indicator identifying the secondorientation is viewable.

In certain implementations, passing fluid into the inlet port comprisesactuating an inflation component that is in fluid communication with thevalve. In certain implementations, the method includes passing fluidfrom the valve to one or more inflatable cells. In certainimplementations, the method includes activating a fluid release thatallows fluid to escape from the valve.

According to one aspect, a valve for use in an inflatable orthopedicdevice includes fluid inlet means, a plurality of fluid outlet means,and a fluid control means that is positionable in two or moreorientations. A first fluid path passing through the center of the fluidcontrol means is created between the fluid inlet means and a first ofthe fluid outlet means when the fluid control means is positioned in afirst orientation, and a second fluid path passing through the center ofthe fluid control means is created between the fluid inlet means and asecond of the fluid outlet means when the fluid control means ispositioned in a second orientation.

In certain implementations, the fluid control means includes a diverterthat rotates within a manifold body. The diverter has an interiorchannel that directs air from the inlet port to a first outlet port whenthe fluid control means is in the first orientation. The interiorchannel comprises a funnel inlet and an outlet that is narrower than thefunnel inlet. The funnel inlet is in fluid communication with the inletport of the fluid control means in each of the first and secondorientations of the fluid control means.

In certain implementations, the fluid control means comprises a housingmeans and a flow director means, the housing means having a plurality offlow passages, each flow passage passing from an inner opening in aninterior surface of the housing means to an outer opening at an end ofone of the fluid inlet means or fluid outlet means. The flow directormeans comprises an interior flow channel, the interior flow channelhaving first and second openings in an outer surface of the flowdirector means. The first opening of the interior flow channel is influid communication with the opening of the fluid inlet means in theinterior surface of the housing means when the fluid control means ispositioned in each of the first and second orientations. The secondopening of the interior flow channel is in fluid communication with anopening of a first of the plurality of fluid outlet means in theinterior surface of the housing means when the fluid control means ispositioned in the first orientation, and the second opening of theinterior flow channel is in fluid communication with an opening of asecond of the plurality of fluid outlet means in the interior surface ofthe housing means when the fluid control means is positioned in thesecond orientation.

In certain implementations, at least one of the fluid inlet means andthe plurality of fluid outlet means extends at a downward angle from anexterior surface of the fluid control means. Each of the fluid inletmeans and the plurality of fluid outlet means has a flow channel thatextends at a downward angle from an exterior surface of the fluidcontrol means. Each of the fluid inlet means and the plurality of fluidoutlet means has a first opening at the exterior end of the inlet oroutlet means, each of the first openings lying in a first common plane.Each of the fluid inlet means and the plurality of fluid outlet meanshas a second opening at the interior end of the inlet or outlet means,at least one of the second openings lying in a second plane differentthan and parallel to the first common plane. Each of the fluid inletmeans and the plurality of fluid outlet means has a second opening atthe interior end of the port, each of the second openings lying in asecond plane different than and parallel to the first common plane.

In certain implementations, the first fluid flow path passes from anexterior opening of the fluid inlet means upward at an angle into thecenter of the fluid control means, across the center of the fluidcontrol means, and downward at an angle through an exterior opening ofthe first of the plurality of fluid outlet means. The second fluid flowpath passes from an exterior opening of the fluid inlet means upward atan angle into the center of the fluid control means, across the centerof the fluid control means, and downward at an angle through an exterioropening of the second of the plurality of fluid outlet means.

In certain implementations, the fluid control means comprises arotatable control means. The rotatable control means comprises arotatable dome shaped body coupled to the control means. The dome shapedbody comprises a concave inner portion, and the fluid control meansextends from the concave inner portion. The fluid inlet means andplurality of fluid outlet means extend from the fluid control meanswithin the concave inner portion.

In certain implementations, the fluid control means is adjusted from thefirst orientation to the second orientation through rotation of therotatable control means. A window is included in the rotatable controlmeans, wherein an indication means of fluid control means positioning isviewable through the window. A first indication means is viewablethrough the window in the first orientation of the fluid control means,and a second indication means is viewable through the window in thesecond orientation of the fluid control means.

In certain implementations, the rotatable control means furthercomprises fluid control means positioning indication means on anexterior surface of the rotatable control means. A first indicationmeans of the positioning indication means is viewable in the firstorientation of the fluid control means, and a second indication means ofthe positioning indication means is viewable in the second orientationof the fluid control means.

In certain implementations, a convex surface is positioned on therotatable control means opposite the concave portion. Gripping meansextend from the convex surface of the rotatable control means. A forceapplied to the gripping means rotates the rotatable control means.

According to one aspect, an inflatable orthopedic support systemincludes a valve, a plurality of inflatable means in fluid communicationwith the valve, and an inflation means in fluid communication with thevalve.

In certain implementations, the support system includes a tube meanshaving a first end in fluid communication with the inflation means and asecond end in fluid communication with the valve. Each of the pluralityof inflatable means is in fluid communication with a first end of one ofa plurality of tube means, and each of the plurality of tube means has asecond end in fluid communication with the valve. In certainimplementations, the valve further comprises tab means extending outwardfrom a bottom surface of the valve, the tab means having receiving meansto receive fastening means that secure the valve to a support means ofthe system.

In certain implementations, the support system includes a release meansin fluid communication with the valve, wherein actuation of the releasemeans allows fluid to escape from the support system. In certainimplementations, the orthopedic support system is an orthopedic walkingboot configured to support a wearer's lower leg.

According to one aspect, a method of operating a valve includespositioning a control means in a first orientation, passing fluid intoan inlet means of the valve, through the center of the control means,and through a first outlet means of the valve, positioning the controlmeans in a second orientation, and passing fluid into the inlet means ofthe valve, through the center of the control means, and through a secondoutlet means of the valve.

In certain implementations, passing fluid into the inlet means comprisespassing fluid from a first opening at an exterior end of the inlet meansto a second opening at an interior end of the inlet means, and passingfluid through the first outlet means comprises passing fluid from athird opening at an interior end of the outlet means to a fourth openingat an exterior end of the outlet means. The inlet means is angled upwardinto the control means from the first end to the second end, and theoutlet means is angled downward away from the control means from thethird end to the fourth end.

In certain implementations, positioning the control means in the secondorientation comprises actuating a rotatable control means that rotatesthe control means from the first orientation to the second orientation.The method includes rotating the control means until a positionindication means identifying the second orientation is viewable.

In certain implementations, passing fluid into the inlet means comprisesactuating an inflation means that is in fluid communication with thevalve. In certain implementations, the method includes passing fluidfrom the valve to one or more inflatable means. In certainimplementations, the method includes activating a release means thatallows fluid to escape from the valve.

According to one aspect, an orthopedic brace includes a plurality ofinflatable cells, a control, and an inflation component. The control hasan inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports and is rotatable betweentwo or more orientations. Each outlet of the control is in fluidcommunication with a respective one of the plurality of inflatablecells, and the inflation component is in fluid communication with theinlet port of the valve. Rotation of the control to a first orientationcreates a fluid path between the inflation component and a firstinflatable cell, and rotation of the control to a second orientationcreates a fluid path between the inflation component and a secondinflatable cell.

In some implementations, the brace includes a support portion thathouses the inflation component. The inflation component is acompressible bladder, and a release valve is also housed by the supportportion. The release valve is in fluid communication with both theinflation component and the control. In certain implementations, therelease valve is positioned between the inflation component and thecontrol.

In certain implementations, the control includes an inner cylinder thatrotates within an outer bore. The inlet port and the plurality of outletports of the control pass through a wall of the outer bore. The innercylinder includes a plurality of fluid channels. The fluid paths createdbetween the inflation component and the first and second inflatablecells are formed by alignment of corresponding fluid channels of theinner cylinder and outlet ports of the outer bore.

In certain implementations, a tactile feedback mechanism indicates whenthe control is rotated into one of the first and second orientations.The control may also be rotatable to a third orientation in which nofluid path is created between the inflation component and the inflatablecells. In the third orientation, a wall of the control prevents air frompassing through the outlet ports of the control. The wall of the controlmay also prevent air from entering an interior portion of the controlfrom the inlet port of the control.

In certain implementations, the control includes an indicator thatidentifies which inflatable cell is in fluid communication with theinflation component in each orientation. The control also includes ahard stop that prevents full rotation of the control.

In certain implementations, the control includes a diverter that rotateswithin a manifold body. The diverter has an interior channel thatdirects air from the inlet port to a first outlet port when the controlis in the first orientation. The interior channel comprises a funnelinlet and an outlet that is narrower than the funnel inlet. The funnelinlet is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the control ineach of the first and second orientations of the control.

In certain implementations, the control includes a tab configured toreceive a fastener and couple the control to a support portion of thebrace. The control comprises a manifold body, and the tab extendslaterally outward from a lower edge of the manifold body. The inlet portand outlet ports of the control may be angled downward toward aninterior portion of the brace, and may extend downward from the manifoldbody.

Variations and modifications of these embodiments will occur to those ofskill in the art after reviewing this disclosure. The foregoing featuresand aspects may be implemented, in any combination and subcombinations(including multiple dependent combinations and subcombinations), withone or more other features described herein. The various featuresdescribed or illustrated, including any components thereof, may becombined or integrated in other systems. Moreover, certain features maybe omitted or not implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be appreciated morefully from the following description, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. These depicted embodiments are to be understood asillustrative and not as limiting in any way.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of an illustrative walking bracehaving inflatable cells.

FIG. 3A shows the inflation component and release valve of the brace inFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B shows an illustrative diagram of an inflation pathway.

FIGS. 4-6 show an illustrative control for a brace.

FIGS. 7A-7E show illustrative views of orientations of the control inFIGS. 4-6.

FIGS. 8A-8E show illustrative cross-sectional views of orientations ofthe control in FIGS. 4-6.

FIGS. 9-11 show an illustrative control for a brace.

FIGS. 12A-C show illustrative views of orientations of the control inFIGS. 9-11.

FIGS. 13-15 show an illustrative control for a brace.

FIG. 16 shows an illustrative linear control for a brace.

FIGS. 17-19 show various orientations of the control shown in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 20-22 show an illustrative linear control for a brace.

FIGS. 23-25 show an illustrative pinch tubing control for a brace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To provide an overall understanding of the systems, devices, and methodsdescribed herein, certain illustrative embodiments will now bedescribed. For the purpose of clarity and illustration, these systems,devices, and methods will be described with respect to an orthopedicwalking brace applied to a wearer's lower leg and ankle. It will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the systems,devices, and methods described herein may be adapted and modified asappropriate. These systems, devices, and methods may be employed inother suitable applications, such as for other types of braces thatinclude other types of inflation components and dials, and that othersuch additions and modifications will not depart from the scope hereof.

FIG. 1 shows a brace 100 configured to support a user's lower leg andankle. The brace 100 includes a shell component 102 that has a footbedportion 114, a heel portion 116, and an upright support portion 118. Theinside of the shell 102 is lined with three inflatable cells 104 a, 104b, and 104 c for cushioning and applying compression to a wearer's leg.In addition to cells 104 a-c, the interior of brace 100 may include foampads or other padding components to aid user comfort. The level ofcompression provided by the inflatable cells 104 a-c is controlledthrough a pump 106 and a release valve 108. A control, shown as a dial110 in FIG. 1, allows a user to select one of the inflatable cells 104a-c for individual inflation or deflation to change the amount ofcompression applied to the leg by cells 104 a-c. The dial 110 is arotatable control, but other types of fluid controls that pass fluidfrom an inlet to an outlet may be used instead of a dial control.

The inflatable air cells 104 a-c are positioned within the brace 100 toprovide customizable support and compression to a wearer's leg. Forexample, the inflatable cell 104 a is positioned to support the back ofthe user's calf, and the inflatable cells 104 b and 104 c are positionedto support the medial and lateral sides, respectively, of the user'slower leg and ankle. The positioning of the inflatable cells 104 a-c indifferent areas of the interior of the brace 100 allows a user to adjustthe pressure provided by the brace in each of these three areas in orderto increase comfort or to treat a particular injury. The user canselectively inflate or deflate each of the inflatable cells 104 a-cuntil a suitable and comfortable combination of pressures is provided bythe inflatable cells. For example, to treat a particular injury, it maybe preferable to have more compression in one area of the leg than inothers. For example, if there is swelling on the medial side of thelower leg, the user may wish to inflate inflatable cell 104 c to ahigher pressure than inflatable cell 104 a or 104 b to decrease swellingon the medial side of the leg.

The control and selective inflation and deflation of the cells 104 a-cis provided by the dial 110. The dial 110 is rotatable to multipleorientations, with individual orientations corresponding to inflation ordeflation of one of the inflatable cells 104 a-c. For example, when thedial 110 is in a first orientation, a fluid path is created between pump106 and inflatable cell 104 a, allowing user to inflate or deflate thatindividual cell. If the dial 110 is then rotated to a secondorientation, a fluid path is created between the pump 106 and theinflatable cell 104 b, and that cell is individually inflated ordeflated. By positioning the dial 110 in a given orientation, the usercan inflate or deflate a selected one of the inflatable cells 104 a-c tothe desired pressure while blocking air flow into and out of the othercells, to customize the inflation level of the selected cell. The usercan select a different cell by adjusting the dial 110 to create a fluidpath between that cell and the inflation source, which allows the userto adjust the inflation of that second cell without having to disconnectand move the inflation source. The user can similarly adjust theremaining third cell, to provide customized pressure in three differentareas of the brace 100. While three inflatable cells are shown in FIG.1, a brace may include any suitable number of inflatable cells, forexample two cells or more than three cells, that are individuallyinflatable and deflatable through a control.

The dial 110 has a single input port and three separate output ports.The fluid input is connected to the pump 106 and the release valve 108by flow tube 120. The outlet ports of the dial 110 are connected to theinflatable cells 104 a-c by flow tubes 122 a, 122 b and 122 c,respectively. As the dial 110 is rotated through different orientations,flow paths across the center of the dial 110, and internal flowdirection components of the dial, are created with each of the flowtubes 122 a-c. For example, in the orientation of the dial shown in FIG.1, a flow path is created between the pump 106 and the inflatable cell104 b through flow tubes 120 and 122 b. The flow path enters the controldial 110, passes through the center of the dial 110 via interior flowchannels, and exits through an outlet of a valve in the dial 110. At thesame time, the paths between the pump 106 and inflatable cells 104 a and104 c are sealed off by the dial 110. When a user applies pressure tothe pump 106, air is forced from the pump through the flow tube 120,into the dial 110, through the flow tube 122 b, and into the inflatablecell 104 b. Using the same fluid communication path, the user may alsoremove air from the inflatable cell 104 b by pressing the release valve108. Also in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, an indicator 112 a on thedial 110 identifies the particular inflatable cell, cell 104 b, withwhich a fluid path is created. While the indicator 112 a is shown asviewable through the window in the dial 110, an indicator may also beprinted on the dial itself. In such embodiments, the support structureof the brace housing includes a window, arrow, or other indicator thathighlights the correct indicator on the dial 110 for the wearer.

The dial 110 controls the flow pathways between the inflatable cells 104a-c and the pump 106 so that the inflatable cells are not in fluidcommunication with each other. In contrast to braces having a singlepump that is in communication with multiple inflatable cells andinflates the cells equally, the brace 100 allows for customizablepressures in each of the inflatable cells. For example, in theorientation shown in FIG. 1, while the fluid path is created withinflatable cell 104 b, inflatable cells 104 a and 104 c are blocked bythe dial 110 from both the pump 106 and from the inflatable cell 104 b.This ensures that the air pressure created within inflatable cell 104 bis not communicated or equalized with the other two inflatable cells. Inaddition to creating separately controllable flow paths with each of theinflatable cells 104 a-c, the dial 110 may also include an orientationthat is an “off” position in which no fluid path is created between thepump 106 and any of the inflatable cells. In the off position, theinflation cells maintain a set pressure and are not inflated by pump 106or deflated by release valve 108.

Once the desired pressure is set in the inflatable cell 104 b, the usermay rotate the dial 110 to set the pressure in one of the otherinflatable cells. The dial 110 can include one or more grip componentson the exterior surface of the dial to facilitate rotation of the dial.For example, ridges extend from the exterior surface of the dial 110 tofacilitate grip and rotation by application of a force to the ridges.Alternative embodiments may include pads or other features to improvegrip and facilitate rotation of the dial. For example, the user mayrotate dial 110 to a second orientation shown in FIG. 2. In thisorientation, the flow path between the pump 106 and the inflatable cell104 b is sealed by the dial 110, and a new flow path is created betweenthe pump 106 and the inflatable cell 104 a across the center of the dialvalve. As in the first orientation shown in FIG. 1, in this orientationthe flow path with inflatable cell 104 c remains sealed by the dial 110.In this orientation, the user is able to inflate or deflate inflatablecell 104 a and set the desired level of compression for the back of theleg covered by that inflatable cell.

A wearer may inflate the inflatable cell 104 a to a pressure that isless than, greater than, or equal to the pressure in inflatable cell 104b depending on the user's comfort or the desire for more or lesspressure based on the particular injury or swelling of the wearer's leg.Once the pressure in inflatable cell 104 a is set to the desired level,the user may again rotate the dial 110 to a third orientation in whichinflatable cells 104 a and 104 b are sealed off, and a flow path iscreated between the pump 106 and the third inflatable cell 104 c. Aftersetting the desired level of pressure in that inflatable cell, the userhas customized the brace 100 with three potentially different levels ofcompression in the different areas of the leg supported by theinflatable cells 104 a-c.

As indicated above, the dial 110 allows the user to switch between eachof the inflatable cells 104 a-c without having to use multiple pumps orreconnect a single pump to multiple different valves. The on-board pump106 and release valve 108, housed within the shell 102 of the brace,maintain a low profile on the brace and eliminate the need for externalpumping components to inflate and deflate the inflatable cells 104 a-c.The use of the on-board pump provides a brace that is easy to use withstreamlined inflation, as only one pump is necessary (although otherpumps could be used to supplement the inflation) and does not need to bedisconnected or reconnected to multiple valves. The inclusion of thepump 106 within the shell 102 also protects against the user losing ormisplacing the pump. The on-board pump and the simple mechanism forpumping air into the inflatable cells also makes the brace easy to usefor elderly and injured patient populations that may have difficultyusing other inflation systems.

FIG. 3A shows a view of the on-board pump 106 and the release valve 108.This on-board assembly allows a wearer to apply air for inflation usingthe pump 106 and remove air for deflation using the release valve 108.To inflate a cell, the user depresses the bladder 124 of the pump 106.The depression of the bladder 124 forces air through one-way valve 130,past the release valve 108, and into the flow tube 120. From the flowtube 120, the air passes through the dial 110 and into one of theinflatable cells 104 a-c. When the user releases the bladder 124, thepump 106 refills with air through a one-way valve 126. The one-way valve126 maintains a seal while the user depresses the bladder 124, forcingthe air in the bladder 124 through one-way valve 130 towards the flowtubing 120, but allows air to enter and refill the bladder 124 when thebladder is released. Because one-way valve 130 does not allow air topass from release valve 108 to the pump 106, a negative pressure in thebladder 124 is created when the bladder is depressed and pulls air inthrough the valve 126 until the bladder 124 is refilled. The one-wayvalve 130 thus allows air to pass from the pump to the inflatable cells,but prevents air from passing from the cells back to the pump when thereis a negative pressure in the bladder 124. Because the one-way valve 126does not let air escape the bladder 124, no air leaks from the systemwhen a user is not using the pump 106.

A user releases air from a selected inflatable cell by depressing abutton 128 of the release valve 108. When the button 128 is depressed,the release valve 108 opens a fluid path to ambient air. When this pathis open, air leaks out of the release valve assembly. Thus, when thebutton 128 is depressed, an inflatable cell connected to the assemblythrough the dial 110 and the flow tube 120 will deflate as air leavesthe inflatable cell and exits the brace at the release valve. When thewearer releases the button 128, the path to ambient air is closed, andthe inflatable cell in communication with the release valve 108 is againsealed to maintain a constant pressure.

The pump and release valve shown in FIG. 3A are merely illustrative, andother suitable inflation and deflation components may be incorporatedinto the brace 100. FIG. 3B shows a diagram of an illustrative flowcircuit 400 that may accommodate different types of pumps or releasevalves in the brace. Flow circuit 400 includes a pump 404 and a releasevalve 408 that allow a user to inflate and deflate inflatable cells 412,414, and 416. A dial 410 is disposed between the release valve and theinflatable cells to allow for individual control over the cells.

In the flow circuit 400, fluid control dial 410 and one-way valves 402and 406 direct fluid from the pump 404 into one of the inflatable cells412, 414, and 416 for inflation and from the inflatable cells out of thecircuit through release valve 408 for deflation. One-way valve 402allows ambient air to enter the pump 404 for inflation and prevents theair from leaking out of the pump into the ambient air. When the pump 404is actuated, air flows only in the direction of one-way valve 406. Theone-way valve 406 then prevents the pumped air from flowing back intothe pump 404, and the pump 404 pulls more ambient air through theone-way valve 402 to refill the pump for subsequent actuation.

Air passes from one-way valve 406 through release valve 408 and dial 410into one of the inflatable cells 412, 414, and 416. Because the releasevalve 408 is positioned between the one-way valve 406 and the dial 410,a user can select a single one of the inflatable cells to deflate whenrelease valve 408 is opened. By adjusting the dial 410 to select thedesired cell, the flow circuit 400 provides the user with the ability toindividually inflate a cell with the pump 404 or deflate the cell withthe release valve 408.

The combination of the pump 106 and the release valve 108 provides asingle inflation and deflation component on board the brace 100. Thesingle on-board pump minimizes the number of components needed toinflate the inflatable cells 104 a-c and reduces the potential for lossof the inflation component, for example, compared to a brace thatrequires a wearer to use a separate component to inflate inflatablecells. The pump 106 and release valve 108 provide inflation anddeflation to each of the multiple inflatable cells 104 a-c through thesingle flow tube 120 by the control afforded to a wearer by the dial110.

FIG. 4 shows a control dial 210, which may correspond to dial 110 ofbrace 100. While dial 210 is a rotatable dial component, other fluidcontrols and selectors can be incorporated with the fluid passages andcontrol valves discussed herein. This view shows the body 138, singleinlet port 132, and the three outlet ports 134 a, 134 b and 134 c of thedial 210. The dial 210, and other controls that include the valvecomponents of the dial, are suitable for many applications in whichselective fluid control is desired. The dial 210, for example, may beincorporated into a foot brace like the brace 100 in FIG. 1, or anothertype of brace with multiple inflation components, for example braces forsupporting a wrist or shoulder or other body part. In addition, the dial210 and its interior valve components may be incorporated into anotherflow circuit outside of the orthopedic space in which convenient controlbetween an inlet and multiple outlets is desired. The dial is suited toapplications that require a low-profile valve, as the flow paths throughthe center of the valve and orientation of flow outlets within the dialcan reduce the overall size of the valve. When the dial 210 is attachedto a brace, such as the brace 100, the rim 140 of the body 138 abuts theexterior surface of the brace, and the ports 132 and 134 a-c aredisposed on the interior of the brace. In this configuration, the body138 of the dial 210 is on the exterior of the brace, where it isactuatable and rotatable by a user, and the ports 132 and 134 a-c are onthe interior of the brace, where they are connected to flow tubes, suchas flow tubes 120 and 122 a-c of brace 100. The body 138 includes aconcave interior portion and a convex exterior portion. This shapeallows the body to cover and shield the fluid control valve componentsthat extend inward from the concave portion. The shape also provides fora low profile of the valve and facilitates gripping and adjusting of thevalve as well as improving the appearance of the valve.

Inlet port 132 can be coupled to an inflation or deflation component,for example pump 106 and release valve 108 of brace 100, by a flow tube,and each of the outlet ports 134 a-c is connected to inflatable cells,for example inflatable cells 104 a-c of brace 100, by flow tubes. Toselect which inflatable cell is inflated or deflated, a wearer turns thedial 210 to the desired setting. At certain orientations of the body 138of the dial 210, flow paths are created between the inlet port 132 andone of the outlet ports 134 a-c through interior flow channels that passthrough the center of the dial 210. Passing the flow paths through thecenter of the component, as opposed to around the outside of an interiorcomponent in the valve, can reduce the overall profile of the valve.

1. The body 138 of the dial 210 is dome-shaped and thus conceals theinterior components of the dial when the dial is incorporated into abrace and the rim 140 abuts the exterior surface of the brace. Thisconcealment allows the body to hide the interior components, reducingthe chance that the components will be damaged and also contributing tothe low profile of the dial, as a user sees only the exterior surface ofthe body 138. In addition, a manufacturer may print or adhere a label tothe exterior top surface of the body 138 (not shown). The concave innersurface of the body 138 creates a protected void on the outside of abrace or other component that the dial 210 is connected to for the fluidcontrol valve components to be placed. The convex outer surface of thebody 138 protects those components and provides a sleeker appearance forthe outside of the fluid control. This design, combined with the designof the internal valve components that extend from the interior convexsurface, reduce the overall profile of the valve and dial and facilitateconnection of the valve in a full fluid system provided on-board aninflation system, for example the brace 100 in FIG. 1.2. A viewing window 136 is cut from into the body 138 to allow a user toview an indicator, such as indicator 112 a in FIG. 1, identifying aselected inflatable cell. Such indicators can be provided in an arcunderneath the body 138, and the window 136 can be sized such that onlya single indicator is viewable in one orientation. The remainder of theindicators are hidden from a user's view by portions of the body 138surrounding the window 136. The window 136 provides the user with aquick indication which outlet of the flow valve within the dial 210 isselected and indicates when the valve is positioned between outlets. Inalternative embodiments, a window may be provided on an extension of thehousing itself, with a window cut out from the extension, and theindicators may be printed directly on the dial body. The housingextension blocks the dial on either side of the window such that only anindicator on the dial positioned within the window is viewable by auser.3. The body 138 includes an inner cylinder 142, shown in FIG. 5A andclips 184 a-f that extend from the interior surface of the body toengage the outer bore 144. In use, the outer bore 144 remainsstationary, and rotation of the body 138 rotates the inner cylinder 142inside the outer bore 144 and the clips 184 a-f around the exterior ofthe outer bore 144. This rotation of the inner cylinder creates thedesired fluid paths between inlet port 132 and outlet ports 134 a-c, asdiscussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 7A-E. Because outerbore 144 remains stationary while the body 138 rotates, the ports 132and 134 a-c remain connected to flow tubes without risking tangling orremoval of the tubes that may be caused if the outer bore 144 werequickly rotated.

FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of the dial 210 with an outer bore 144removed from an inner cylinder 142. This exploded view shows three inletchannels 146 a-c of the inner cylinder 142. The inlet channels eachextend from an opening in an exterior surface of the inner cylinder 142and in towards the center of the cylinder. In three differentorientations, one of the inlet channels 146 a-c aligns with the inletport 132 of the outer bore 144 and allows air to flow into the interiorchannels of the inner cylinder 142, as discussed in more detail belowwith respect to FIGS. 7A-E. On the outlet side of inner cylinder 142,FIG. 5B shows a single outlet channel 148 that extends from an openingin the exterior surface of the inner cylinder 144 in towards the centerof the cylinder. The outlet channel 148 aligns with one of outlet ports134 a-c in each of the three different orientations of the dial 210. Asdiscussed below, the interior channels 146 a-c and 148 creates the flowpaths and seals two of the outlet ports when a flow path is created withthe other one of the outlet ports 134 a-c.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the dial 210 with the outer bore 144removed, exposing the inner cylinder 142. The interior channels of theinner cylinder 142, including inlet channels 146 a-c and the outletchannel 148, are shown by dotted lines. Each channel shown in FIG. 6 hasan opening in the exterior surface of the inner cylinder 142 and extendsinwards through the interior of the cylinder. The channels form at-shaped junction inside the inner cylinder 142. This view shows thethree inlet channels 146 a-c, which are positioned near inlet port 132shown in FIG. 5B during use, and the outlet channel 148, which ispositioned toward the side of outlet ports 134 a-c shown in FIG. 5Bduring use. Rotation of the dial 210 by a wearer to differentorientations creates fluid flow paths from the inlet port 132 of theouter bore to the outlet ports 134 a-c of the outer bore through thechannels 146 a-c and 148. When a fluid path is created between the inletport 132 and one of the outlet ports 134 a-c, the outer wall 150 of theinner cylinder 142 blocks the remaining outlet ports as a result of theclose fit between the inner cylinder 142 and the outer bore 144.

The positioning of the channels and ports directs flow within thecylinder. The flow pass from one of the openings in the exterior surfaceof the cylinder, through the interior channels that extend towards thecenter of the cylinder, and out from another opening in the exteriorsurface of the cylinder. When the inner cylinder is coupled with theouter bore 144, the cylinder and bore can be adjusted such that theopenings in the exterior surface of the inner cylinder align withselected opening in the interior surface of the outer bore. Theseopenings lead to inlet or outlet ports of the outer bore, and thealignment of the openings creates the flow path from an inlet, throughthe center of the cylinder, and out an outlet of the bore. FIGS. 7A-Eshow illustrative views of the outer bore 144 and inner cylinder 142 inmultiple orientations that create flow paths between ports and channelsor constitute off positions in which no flow path is created between anyports. FIG. 7A shows a first orientation of the outer bore 144 and theinner cylinder 142 in which a flow path is created from the inlet port132 to the outlet port 134 b, as shown by the arrow 152. In thisconfiguration, air from a pump in fluid communication with the dial 210enters the inlet port 132 through an opening at the exterior end of theinlet port 132. The fluid passes through an opening in the interior ofthe outer bore, at the end of the passage through the inlet port 132,and then passes through an opening in the exterior surface of the innercylinder that leads to inlet channel 146 a. The fluid passes through theinlet channel 146 to the outlet channel 148 and exits the inner cylinderat an opening in the exterior surface of the cylinder at the end ofoutlet channel 148. The fluid then exits the valve through a firstopening in the interior of the outer bore, through the passage of outletport 134 b, and out through an opening at the exterior end of the outletport 134 b. From outlet port 134 b, the air may pass through a flow tubeand inflate an inflatable cell. For deflation, air can pass in theopposite direction of arrow 152 from the inflatable cell out of thesystem through a release valve in fluid communication with inlet port132.

Because of the geometry of the interior channels 146 a-c and 148 and thelocation of the outlet ports 134 a-c, the unused inlet channels 146 aand 146 c abut the interior surface of the inner wall 154 of outer bore144 and the unused outlet ports 134 a and 134 c abut the outer wall 150of the inner cylinder 142, thereby blocking the unused ports andchannels from receiving fluid. The shape of the inner cylinder 142 andthe inner wall 154 of the outer bore 144 creates a close interferencefit that results in the sealing of the unused channels and ports whenthose channels and ports are not aligned with each other. In theorientation shown in FIG. 7A, a first portion 156 a of the innercylinder wall 150 is positioned in front of and blocks the outlet port134 c, while a second portion 156 b of the inner cylinder wall 150 ispositioned in front of and blocks outlet port 134 a. The interiorchannels 146 a and 146 c are blocked by the outer bore, as a firstportion 156 b of the outer bore wall 154 is positioned in front of andblocks the input channel 146 a. A second portion 158 a of the outer borewall 154 is positioned in front of and blocks the inlet channel 146 c.The interference fit prevents air from leaking out of the blockedinterior channels. Also, the interference fit inhibits fluidcommunication between the inflatable cells, as the outlet ports 134 aand 134 c are sealed off from both inlet port 132 and the open outletport 134 b.

Rotation of the dial 210 changes the alignment of the inner channels 148and 146 a-c with the ports 132 and 134 a-c and can create different flowpaths through the dial 210. For example, clockwise rotation of the innercylinder 142 from the orientation shown in FIG. 7A positions thecylinder in a second orientation shown in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7B, a flowpath is created between inlet port 132 and outlet port 134 a, as shownby the arrow 164. In this orientation, air enters the inlet port 132 andpasses through the inlet channel 146 a to the outlet channel 148, whichis aligned with outlet port 134 a. When the dial is in this orientation,the user may inflate or deflate a second inflatable cell is in fluidcommunication with the outlet port 134 a. In addition to a visual cue,for example the indicator 112 a discussed above with respect to FIG. 1,the dial 210 may provide a tactile feedback mechanism for indicating toa user that the dial 210 is in an orientation that allows for inflation.For example, the outer bore 144 includes protrusions 182 a-e, shown inFIG. 7B, around its perimeter that interact with clips 184 a-f, shown inFIG. 4, that extend from the body 138 of the dial 210 to provide atactile click when the inner cylinder 142 snaps into each orientation.The dial 210 also includes a tab 180 that extends outward from theperimeter of the inner cylinder 142 and contacts the protrusions 184 aand 184 f shown in FIG. 4 during rotation of the outer bore 144 tocreate hard stops that limit the rotation of the dial 210. The tactilefeedback mechanism and hard stop are discussed in more detail below withrespect to FIGS. 8A-E.

As shown, the unused channels 146 b and 146 c, as well as the unusedoutlet ports 134 b and 134 c, abut the walls 150 and 154 in this secondorientation, thereby blocking the unused channels and ports from theinlet fluid and providing a flow path inside the dial. For example, afirst portion 160 a of the inner cylinder wall 150 is positioned infront of and blocks outlet port 134 b, and a second portion 160 b of thewall 150 blocks the outlet port 134 c. For the unused channels, a firstinterior surface (concave) 162 a of the outer bore wall 154 blocks theinlet channel 146 c, and a second portion 162 b of the wall 154 blocksthe inlet channel 146 b.

4. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the outlet ports 134 a-c are installedso as to extend from a perimeter surface 155 of the outer bore 144, witheach having an opening passing through the surface 155 to the inner wall152 of the bore. The respective openings for ports 134 a-c are installedalong the left half of the outer bore 144 and are spaced apartangularly, e.g., at approximately right angles between ports 134 a and134 b, and at approximately 180 degrees between ports 134 a and 134 c.Port 132 is installed on the right half of the outer bore 144 at anangle of about 90 degrees with respect to ports 134 a and 134 c. Asshown, the outlet ports 134 a and 134 c are positioned closer to outletport 134 b than to inlet port 132, and therefore rotation of the innercylinder 142 to the orientation shown in FIG. 7B positions the outer endof inlet channel 146 c along the inner cylinder wall 150 at an angularposition that does not overlap with inlet port 134 c, thereby blockingfluid flow between inlet channel 146 c and outlet port 134 c.

FIG. 7C illustrates an alternative orientation in which the innercylinder 142 is rotated counterclockwise from the orientation shown inFIG. 7A to create a third flow path, shown in FIG. 7C. In thisorientation, a flow path extends through the interior of the dial 210from inlet port 132 through inlet channel 146 c and outlet channel 148to outlet port 134 c, as shown by arrow 166. This path allows the userto selectively inflate or deflate an inflatable cell that is in fluidcommunication with the outlet port 134 c. The walls 150 and 154 of theinner cylinder 142 and outer bore 144, respectively, again block theunused channels and ports in this third orientation. A first portion 168a of the inner cylinder wall 150 blocks the outlet port 134 b, while asecond portion 168 b of the wall 150 blocks the outlet port 134 a. Also,a first portion 170 a of the outer bore wall 154 blocks the inletchannel 146 a, while a second portion 170 b of the wall blocks the inletchannel 146 b.

In the orientation shown in FIG. 7C, a second hard stop is created bycontact between the inner cylinder 142 and the clips extending from thebody 138 of the dial 210. The hard stop prevents the inner cylinder 142from rotating further in the counterclockwise direction from theorientation shown in FIG. 7C. Prevention of this rotation avoidsalignment of the inlet channel 146 a with the outlet port 134 a, whichcould compromise the single flow path created with the outlet port 134c.

In addition to the three orientations shown in FIGS. 7A-C, the dial 110may include one or more “off” orientations in which no fluid flow pathextends between the inlet port 132 and any of the outlet ports 134 a-c.In the “off” orientations, the wall 150 of the inner cylinder 142 blocksall of the outlet ports 134 a-c, and the wall 154 of the outer bore 144blocks all three of the inlet channels 146 a-c. In these orientations,the port openings on the interior surface of the outer bore 144 aremisaligned with the channel openings in the exterior surface of theinner cylinder 142. When the openings are misaligned, there is no flowpath opened from one port to another through the center of the innercylinder 142. Such an orientation may be desired, for example, when theuser has set the desired levels of compression in all inflatable cellscoupled to the dial 210 and does not want to accidentally inflate ordeflate one of the inflatable cells. The interface between therespective ends of the channels and inner wall 150 can provide afluid-tight seal between the channels and wall to block all fluid flowthrough the dial 210.

FIG. 7D shows a first “off” orientation of the inner cylinder 142 andthe outer bore 144. In the orientation shown in FIG. 7D, all of theports 132 and 134 a-c are blocked by the wall 150 of the inner cylinder.None of the channels overlap with the ports; instead all of the channels146 a-c and 148 of the inner cylinder are blocked by the wall 154 of theouter bore. As shown, four portions 172 a-d of the wall 150 block eachof the ports 134 a-c and 132 from fluid flow, respectively. Fourportions 174 a-d of the wall 154 block off each of the channels 146 a-cand 148, respectively to stabilize the inflation levels of the cells. Inthis orientation, no air can enter the system through inlet port 132 orleave the system through outlet ports 134 a-c, thus sealing theinflatable cells that are in fluid communication with outlet ports 134a-c and avoiding inadvertent inflation or deflation of the cells. Thedial 210 may include an additional indicator, similar to the indicators112 a and 112 b discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, to notifythe wearer that the dial 210 is in an off position in which noinflatable cells can be inflated or deflated.

FIG. 7E shows a second off orientation in which no inflatable cell canbe inflated or deflated. As in FIG. 7D, in FIG. 7E each of the ports 134a-c and 132 and each of the channels 146 a-c and 148 are blocked by thewalls 150 and 154. For example, four portions 176 a-d of the wall 150block each of the ports 134 a-c and 132, respectively. Four portions 178a-d of the wall 154 block each of the channels 146 a-c and 148,respectively. As with the first “off” orientation of FIG. 7D, the dial210 may include another indicator similar to indicators 112 a and 112 bto alert the user that the dial 210 is in an off orientation.

Rotation of the dial 210 to discrete orientations is facilitated bymechanical interaction between the inner cylinder 142, outer bore 144,and body 138 of the dial 210. In particular, the interactions betweenthese components provide a tactile indication to a user when the dial210 is rotated into each of the available orientations and preventsover-rotation of the dial that may otherwise compromise the individualflow paths that maintain independent control of the inflation levels ofthe cells. Examples of such mechanical interactions are discussed belowwith respect to FIGS. 8A-E.

FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of the inner cylinder 142, outerbore 144, and clips 184 a-f in the dial orientation depicted in FIG. 7A.This cross-sectional view shows the interactions between protrusions 182a-e and clips 184 a-f in this first orientation. Each of the clips 184a-f include notches, for example notch 186 a on clip 184 a and notch 186b on clip 184 b, on either end of the clip. The shape of the notchescorresponds to the rounded shape of the protrusions and accommodates theprotrusions in each orientation of the dial. In particular, in theorientation shown in FIG. 8A, the protrusion 182 a fits closely withinnotches 186 a and 186 b. These mechanical interactions allow a user toeasily position the dial in the orientation shown in FIG. 7A, andthereby create the desired flow path. In particular, the interactionbetween clips 184 a-f and protrusions 182 a-e allow a user to feel whenthe protrusions “click” into the notches when the dial is rotated. Theposition and spacing of the matches and protrusions thus provide atactile indicator when the cylinder, and thus the interior channels, isproperly oriented.

From the orientation depicted in FIG. 8A, a user may turn the dial 210in the direction or arrow B to a second orientation, such as theorientation shown in FIG. 7B. To rotate the dial, the user must apply astarting force to the dial, in a clockwise or counter-clockwisedirection, that is sufficient to displace the clips outwards, forexample in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 8A for clip 184 a, sothat clips 184 a-f rotate around the stationary outer bore 144. When thedial is rotated in the direction of arrow B different, each protrusioncontacts clips and notches than in FIG. 8A when the dial reaches asecond orientation. For example, when the clips 184 a-f and innercylinder 142 in FIG. 8A are rotated in a clockwise direction, protrusion182 a passes clip 184 b and snaps into notch 186 c of clip 184 b andnotch 186 d of clip 184 c. When the protrusion 182 a reaches the notches186 c and 186 d, the user feels or hears a “click” that indicates asecond orientation has been reached.

FIG. 8B shows the orientation of the dial 210 when it is rotatedclockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 8A. The orientationdepicted in FIG. 8B corresponds to the “off” orientation discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 7E. In this orientation, the clips 184 a-f andinner cylinder 142 are rotated relative to the first orientation suchthat each protrusion 182 a-e is displaced in a counter-clockwisedirection to a new set of notches in the clips. In order to rotate thedial further to a new orientation, the user again applies a rotationforce to the dial 210 that is sufficient to displace the clips 184 a-foutward and allow the protrusions 182 a-e to pass the clips.

FIG. 8C shows the orientation of the dial 210 when it is further rotatedclockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 8B. This orientationcorresponds to the dial orientation shown in FIG. 7B, in which a fluidpath is created between inlet port 132 and outlet port 134 a. In thisorientation, the clips 184 a-f and inner cylinder 142 have again rotatedsuch that the protrusions 182 a-e are displaced to within a new set ofnotches, as protrusion 182 a is now snapped into notch 186 e of clip 184c and notch 186 f of clip 184 d.

In addition to the tactile feedback indicating that the dial has reacheda new orientation, a hard stop is created by contact between the outerbore 144 and inner cylinder 142 in the orientation shown in FIG. 8C.Specifically, an edge 188 a of the outer bore 144 contacts a side wall190 a of the tab 180 that extends from the inner cylinder 142. Thiscontact prevents the dial 210 from rotating further in a clockwisedirection if the user applies a further rotational force. As discussedabove with respect to FIG. 7B, this hard stop prevents over-rotation ofthe dial that could compromise the individualized inflation anddeflation control of inflatable cells that are in fluid communicationwith the dial 210. Thus, the tab 180 limits the rotational range of thedial 210, and the dial can only be rotated in a counter-clockwisedirection from the orientation shown in FIG. 8C.

When the user applies a counter-clockwise force to the dial 210 in theorientation shown in FIG. 8C in the direction of arrow C, the dialrotates back through each of the orientations shown in FIGS. 8B and 8Aand into the orientation shown in FIG. 8D. This orientation correspondsto the “off” orientation shown in FIG. 7D. The dial may then be rotatedfurther in the counter-clockwise direction to the orientation shown inFIG. 8E, which corresponds to the orientation shown in FIG. 7C. Thisorientation depicts the second limit on the rotational range of thedial, as edge 188 b of the outer bore 144 contacts a side wall 190 b ofthe inner cylinder tab 180. This contact creates an interference thatprevents further counter-clockwise rotation of the dial 210, asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 8C, and again prevents compromisingthe individualized inflation control provided by the dial 210.

The dial 210 illustrates controls that may be incorporated into a fluidcontrol system, for example into an orthopedic brace or other componenthaving inflatable members, to provide control over inflation anddeflation of compressible components or inflatable cells. In certainimplementations, other controls and control dials may be used to providea user with control over individual inflatable cells or groups ofinflatable cells. Such other controls may incorporate alternatemechanisms of diverting flow from an inflation source, such as pump 106,to inflatable cells, such as cells 104 a-c, to provide a user withcustomizable inflation and deflation of brace components. For example,dial 310 depicted in FIGS. 9-12C may be used to provide inflationcontrol for a brace, such as brace 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the dial 310, which includes a body 338 thatis rotatable by a user. As discussed above with respect to dial 210, thedial 310 is rotatable between multiple dial orientations, where separateorientations create separate flow paths between an inlet port and aplurality of outlet ports of the dial 310. In FIG. 9, a window 314 inthe housing 340 allows a user to see an indication of the dialorientations, for example, outer surface 312 of the dial 310 thatcontains a printed indication of an inflatable cell or other indicatorthat corresponds to the depicted dial orientation. In each orientation,an internal diverter in the dial 310 directs flow from an inlet port tothe cell or group of cells indicated on the outer surface 312.

FIG. 10 shows the dial 310 with the body 338 removed. The dial 310 hasan inlet port 320, outlet ports 322 a-c, and a diverter 318 that directsflow from the inlet port to one of the outlet ports. The diverter 318includes slots 336 a-d that couple with clips 316 a-d on the body 338 ofthe dial 310 when the body 338 is snap-fitted to the diverter 318. Thecoupling of the slots 336 a-d and the clips 316 a-d rotates the diverter318 when a user rotates the body 338. The diverter 324 includes aninternal channel, having a funnel inlet 324 and an outlet 340 that isnarrower than the inlet. Fluid is directed through the diverter frominlet port 320 through funnel inlet 324, through outlet 340, and outthrough one of the outlet ports 322 a-c that is aligned with the outlet340. Similar to the flow path in the dial 210, the funnel shape of theflow path in the diverter 324 passes fluid directly through the centerof the valve assembly, rather than around the exterior of the diverter.The orientations and flow paths created by each orientation arediscussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 12A-C.

The diverter 318 shown in FIG. 10 turns within a manifold body, whichcontains the inlet port 320 and outlet ports 322 a-c and remainsstationary while the diverter 318 rotates. To help maintain the overalllow profile of the dial 310, the manifold body includes two tabs 326 aand 326 b that extend outward from the manifold body and receive aconnecting member that fastens the manifold body to a brace shell. Aperspective view of the diverter 318 and manifold body 328 is shown inFIG. 11. Tab 326 extends from and flush with a lower edge 342 of themanifold body 328. This position of the tab 326 a allows the manifoldbody 328 to be fastened to a brace without adding height to thecombination of the body 328 and the diverter 318, thus contributing tothe low profile of the combination. The ability to fasten the body 328to a brace, or other component, without adding height is particularlybeneficial in implementations in which a low-profile fluid control isdesired. Because the tab does not add height to the valve, the oversizeof the valve can be reduced and fit within other components of thesystem. For example, if the valve is connected to a dial having a convexbody, like the body 138 discussed above, the smaller size of the valveallows the convex body to also be smaller.

While the tab 326 reduces the height of the valve, the orientation ofthe outlet ports 322 a-c can further reduce the valve size by reducingthe width of the valve. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outlet ports322 a-c extend at a downward angle away from the body 328, with theopenings of the port on the interior surface of the body 328 positionedhigher than the outer openings of the ports. This angling creates awidth, for example from the outer end of outlet port 322 b to the outerend of inlet port 320, that is smaller than the width would be if thesame ports extended straight outward from the body 328 in a commonplane. The downward angle positions the inner openings of the ports, theopenings in the interior surface of the body 328, in a first commonplane, and the outer openings at the exterior ends of the ports to belocated in a second common plane that is parallel to but positionedlower on the valve than the first plane.

The angling of the ports 320 and 322 a-c may also increase theefficiency of fluid flow through the body 328 and diverter 318. Thedownward angle of the ports point flow inward towards the surface of acomponent that the body 328 is connected to, for example a surface towhich the body 328 is fastened by the tab 326 a. This orientation isadvantageous if the ports are connected to flow tubes that pass throughto an interior of the component to which the body 328 is connected. Forexample, if the body 328 were connected to a brace such as brace 100,fluid flow components on the inside of the brace may connect to theports 320 and 322 a-c positioned on the outside of the brace where auser can easily adjust them. Angling the ports 320 and 322 a-c directsthe flow towards the interior before it leaves the brace, rather thanrequiring an elbow or kink in the flow tubes that can complicate flowand increase pressure in the system. This is shown in FIGS. 10 and 12,in which the outer openings of each port are directed into a gap in thesurface to which the body 328 is fastened. The downward angle directsflow towards the gaps and into the interior of the surface, rather thanpassing flow outward perpendicular to the body 328 and requiring anelbow at the exterior opening of each port to direct the flow inwards.

Multiple orientations of the dial 310, each corresponding to a discreteflow path through the manifold body 328 and diverter 318, are shown inFIGS. 12A-C. Similar to the orientations of dial 210 shown in FIGS.7A-C, each depicted orientation of dial 310 creates a flow path betweenthe inlet port 320 and one of the outlet ports 322 a-c of the dial. InFIG. 12A, a first flow path, shown by arrow 330, is created between theinlet port 320 and outlet port 322 a. Air entering the inlet port 320passes through the funnel inlet 324 to the outlet 340 to the outlet port322 a aligned with the outlet 340. While this outlet port is open, theremaining outlet ports 322 b and 322 c are blocked by wall portions 344a and 344 b, respectively, of the diverter 318. This orientation andflow path thus provide a single fluid communication between an inflationcomponent coupled to the inlet port 320 and inflatable component orcomponents coupled to one of the outlet port 322 a while closing off anycomponents couple to the other outlet ports 322 b and 322 c. Because theports 322 a and 320 are oriented at a downward angle, fluid enters theopening of port 320 at the exterior end of the port, flows at an upwardangle through the flow channel of the port, and enters the diverter 318at the interior opening at the inner surface of the body 328. Thisopening is higher on the valve than the exterior opening through whichthe fluid entered the port 320. After passing through the center of thediverter 318, the fluid then exits through the port 322 a at a downwardangle, starting at the opening in the interior surface of the body 328and flowing outward through the opening at the exterior end of the port322 a, which is located lower on the valve than the inlet opening.

A user may rotate the dial 310 clockwise to provide inflation ordeflation for a second inflatable cell or group of cells. A clockwiseforce to the body 338 of the dial 310 is transferred through the clips316 a-d to the slots 336 a-d, rotating the diverter 318 within themanifold body 328. Such rotation positions the diverter in theorientation shown in FIG. 12B. In FIG. 12B, a flow path, shown by arrow332, is created between the inlet port 320 and the outlet port 322 bwhile outlet ports 322 a and 322 c are blocked. The shape and width ofthe funnel inlet 324 on the diverter 318 allow the inlet 324 to maintainfluid communication with inlet port 320 while the dial 310 is rotatedfrom the first orientation to the second orientation. In particular, theinlet 324 is wide enough that the inlet 324 remains in communicationwith the inlet port 320 over the full range of rotation of the diverter318, from the orientation shown in FIG. 12A to the orientation shown inFIG. 12C. In addition, the positioning of the outlet ports 322 a-caround one half of the diverter and the inlet port 320 on the other halfof the diverter allows for a wide inlet 324 to be used without the inletbeing in communication with any of the outlet ports 322 a-c over therange of rotation of the diverter 318. In this second orientation, fluidfrom a pump connected to the inlet port 320 passes through the funnelinlet 324, outlet 340, and out to an inflation component or componentscontained within the brace, via fluid communication with the outlet port322 b.

Further clockwise rotation of the dial 310 in turn rotates the diverter318 from the orientation shown in FIG. 12B to the orientation shown inFIG. 12C. In FIG. 12C, a flow path, shown by arrow 334, is createdbetween the inlet port 320 and the outlet port 222 c while the outletports 322 a and 322 b are sealed. Again, the shape and width of thefunnel inlet 324 allows the inlet to maintain fluid communication withthe inlet port 320 in this orientation. Thus, the inlet of the diverter318 is in constant fluid communication with the inlet port 320 over thefull range of rotation from the orientation shown in FIG. 12A to theorientation shown in FIG. 12C, while the narrower outlet 340 is incommunication with only one outlet port in each orientation.

In addition to a control dial such as dial 310 that diverts airflow froman input to one of multiple outputs, other controls may be incorporatedinto a brace that actively close or pinch one or more outputs ratherthan by diverting airflow. FIGS. 13-15 show one illustrative controlassembly 500 which operates by pinching one or more output tubings. Thecontrol assembly 500 includes a single input 502 and four outputs 504a-d. In use, a rotatable dial 506 is used to select one of the outputs504 a-d to allow air to pass into the input in the direction of arrow526 and out of one of the outputs 504 a-d. To select a tubing foroutput, a user may turn the dial 506 to select one of the outputsindicated by indicators 508 a-d. For example, in the orientation of thedial 506 shown in FIG. 13, the indicator 508 c is selected, and airenters the inlet 502 in the direction of arrow 526 and exits the outlet504 c in the direction of arrow 510.

The dial 506 is positionable in four different orientations. In each ofthe four orientations, the marker 528 on the dial 506 points to one ofthe indicators 508 a-d. Each of the indicators 508 a-d corresponds toone of the outlets 504 a-d that is open for air to pass when the marker528 points to its respective indicator. The remaining three outlets ineach orientation are closed by a pinching of the tubes in the internalcomponents of the dial 506, as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 14and 15. For example, in FIG. 13 outlets 504 a, 504 b and 504 d arepinched closed within the dial 506 so that air entering the inlet 502can only pass through the outlet 504 c.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the control assembly 500 that exposesthe internal components of the control that open and close the outputs504 a-d. The components of the control 500 are contained between anupper housing 512 a and a lower housing 512 b. Seated in the lowerhousing 512 b is a tubing assembly 532 that includes the fluid input 502and the four fluid outputs 504 a-d. Above the tubing assembly 532 is aplate 514 that has four ports 534 a-d. Beneath each of the ports is oneof lower bearings 516 a-d. The lower bearings 516 a-d each contact thesprings 518 a-d, respectively. The springs 518 a-d each pass through oneof the ports 534 a-d and contact one of the upper bearings 520 a-d thatare seated within one of the ports 534 a-d. In each orientation of thedial 506, three of the lower bearings 516 a-d close off three of theoutlet ports 504 a-d. The remaining lower bearing does not pinch off theoutlet, which allows air to flow through the assembly 500.

The selection of the outlet 504 a-d that allows air to pass is made withthe dial 506. On the bottom surface 530 of the dial 506, there are threeshallow cavities 522 a-c and one deep cavity 524. In each orientation ofthe dial 506 the four upper bearings 520 a-d are positioned within thethree shallow cavities 522 a-c and the one deep cavity 524. The threeupper bearings that are positioned in the shallow cavities 522 a-c pressdown on three of their respective springs 518 a-d, which places pressureon three of the lower bearings 516 a-d. The downward pressure causesthree of the lower bearings to close off their respective three outletsfrom the tubing assembly 532. The remaining upper bearing positionedwithin the deep cavity 524 is not pressed down onto its respectivespring and lower bearing, and the outlet of tubing assembly 532 whichcorresponds to the upper bearing that is within the deep cavity 524remains open because there is no downward pressure on the respectivelower bearing to close off the outlet.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view depicting the interaction of thecavities 522 a-c and 524 and the upper bearings 520 a-d that closes offthree of the outlets 504 a-d. In the configuration shown, the dial 506is in an orientation that opens outlet 504 a. For example, the dial 506may be positioned such that the marker 528 on the dial points toindicator 508 a which corresponds to the outlet 504 a. In thisconfiguration the upper bearing 520 a that corresponds to the outlet 504a is positioned in the deep cavity 524 while the remaining three upperbearings 520 b-d are positioned in the shallow cavities 522 a-c. Becauseupper bearing 520 d is in the shallow cavity 522 a, it is not able tomove up into the dial 506 and instead exerts a downward pressure on thecorresponding spring 518 d and lower bearing 516 d. This downwardpressure pushes the lower bearing 516 d down onto the tubing of outlet504 d thus closing the outlet and preventing any air that enters theinput 502 from exiting through the outlet 504 d. In contrast, the upperbearing 520 a is able to move up into the dial 506 farther than theupper bearing 520 d due to the increased depth of the deep cavity 524.The positioning of the upper bearing 520 a within the deep cavity 524relieves pressure from the spring 518 a and the lower bearing 516 a. Asa result, the lower bearing 516 a is not pressed down on the outlet 504a, and the outlet 504 a remains open for air entering the input 502 toexit through the outlet 504 a.

The inflation controls discussed above employ a rotational dial tocontrol direction of fluid input to one or more fluid outputs. Inaddition to the rotational controls, a linear or otherwisenon-rotational control may be used in a brace to direct fluid from aninput source to one or more outputs and one or more inflatable cells ofa brace. FIG. 16 shows a control assembly 600 that employs a linearmoving control 602 to direct fluid from a single input 604 to one ofthree outputs 606 a-c. The control 602 is seated within a linear trough610 and may move laterally in the directions shown by arrow 608 toselect one of the outlets 606 a-c. Similar to the controls discussedabove the inlet 604 may include communication with an inflation anddeflation source while each of the outlets 606 a-c may be connected toan inflatable cell. By moving the control 602 within the trough 610 awearer is able to selectively direct flow to the inflatable cellsconnected to the outlets.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly 600 in theorientation shown in FIG. 16. In this orientation air enters the inlet604, passes through the control 602 and exits through the outlet 606 a.The control 602 has a wide inlet portion 612 and narrow outlet portion614. The wide inlet 612 allows the inlet to remain in fluidcommunication with the inlet port 604 over the full range of translationof the control 602 within the trough 610. As shown in FIG. 17, air isable to follow the path shown by arrow 616 entering the inlet 604,passing through the inlet 612 and through the outlet 614 and ultimatelyout through the outlet port 606 a. Because the outlet 614 is narrowerthan the inlet 612, the air that enters the inlet port 604 is directedonly to the outlet port 606 a. A first portion 618 a of the control 602blocks the outlet port 606 b, and a second portion 618 b of the control602 blocks the outlet port 606 c. This block prevents air from enteringor exiting the outlet port 606 b and c and seals any inflatable cellsthat are connected to those outlet ports.

A wearer may select a different output port by moving the control 602laterally in the direction shown by arrow 622 in FIG. 17. Movement ofthe control 602 in this direction results in the orientation shown inFIG. 18. In FIG. 18, the control 602 is positioned such that air is ableto enter the input port 604 and exit the output port 606 b in thedirection shown by arrow 620. In this orientation the outlet channel 614has been moved laterally and now the outlet port 606 a and 606 c areblocked while outlet port 606 b is open to the inlet port 604.

To select the third output port 606 c a user may move the control 602laterally in the direction shown by arrow 624 in FIG. 18. Movement inthis direction results in the orientation shown in FIG. 19. In thisorientation, air is able to pass from the inlet port 604 out through thethird outlet port 606 c as shown by arrow 626. In this third orientationthe remaining two outlet ports 606 a and 606 b are now blocked while theoutlet channel 614 is aligned with the outlet port 606 c.

As discussed above for rotational controls, linear controls may alsoutilize a pinch tubing mechanism rather than a fluid flow directionmechanism. FIG. 20 shows a control assembly 700 that utilizes pinchtubing to direct air flow from an inlet port 702 to one of four outletports 704 a-d. The assembly 700 includes a control 710 that is disposedwithin a trough 712. The control 710 is moveable laterally in thedirections shown by arrows 714. By moving the control 710, a wearer isable to align the control with one of the indicators 726 a-d, whichcorrespond to the fluid outlets 704 a-d, respectively. As shown in FIG.20 the control 710 is aligned with indicator 726 c, which corresponds tothe outlet 704 c. In this orientation air enters the inlet port 702 inthe direction shown by arrow 706 and exits through the outlet port 704 cin the direction shown by arrow 708. The remaining three outlet ports704 a, 704 b and 704 d are pinched off and closed by internal componentsof the control assembly 700.

FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of the control assembly 700 exposing theinternal components of the control that pinch three of the outlets 704a-d. The control 700 includes an upper housing 716 a and a lower housing716 b. Between the two housings is a connection assembly 728 a thatcouples the inlet port 702 to the four outlets 704 a-d. The fluid flowout of these outlets is controlled by a blocker 718 that sits on top ofthe outlet tubings 704 a-d. The blocker 718 includes an upper tab 730that extends through the trough 712 and couples to the control 710.Movement of the control 710 within the trough 712 thus moves the blocker718 laterally. The blocker 718 includes a window 722 with two edges 724a and 724 b on either side of the window. In use, the blocker 718 ismoveable such that the window 722 aligns with one of the outlets 704 a-dto allow fluid flow from the selected outlet. The two edges 724 a and724 b compress the remaining three outlets against the upper surface 720of the lower housing 716 b thus pinching the remaining three outletsclosed.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of theblocker 718 within the control assembly 700. As shown in FIG. 22, theblocker 718 is positioned such that the outlet 704 b is open for fluidflow while the remaining outlets 704 a, 704 c and 704 d are pinchedclosed by the edges 724 a and 724 b of the blocker 718. In thisorientation, for example, the wearer may position the control 710aligned with the indicator 726 b shown in FIG. 20 to select the outlet704 b that corresponds to that indicator. The edges 724 a and 724 bcompress the outlets 704 a, 704 c and 704 d against the surface 720 suchthat those outlets are closed and any air entering the inlet port 702may pass only through the selected outlet 704 b.

For some braces it may be preferable to provide individual controls foreach inflatable cell in a brace. Such controls may be preferred if, forexample, a user wishes to inflate or deflate more than one inflatablecell of the brace at one time. By giving the user individualized controlover each pathway, the user is able to select an inflatable cell orcombination of inflatable cells to inflate or deflate through thecontrol. FIG. 23 shows one control assembly 800 that provides a userwith individual control over opening and closing four separate fluidoutputs. The control assembly 800 includes a fluid input 802 and fourplungers 804 a-d. Each of the plungers 804 a-d controls fluid flowthrough a single outlet. Thus the user is able to control flow frominput 802 to four different outputs and is able to select anycombination of those outputs to inflate or deflate.

FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of the assembly 800 revealing the fourfluid outputs 806 a-d and illustrating the positioning of the plunger804 c. As shown in FIG. 24, the input 802 couples with the valve 808that flows into a circular tubing 810. The circular tubing 810 connectsto each of the output tubings 806 a-d. Each of these outputs 806 a-d hasa respective one of plungers 804 a-d coupled over its fluid path tocontrol opening and closing of the tubing.

The plunger 804 c is surrounded by a spring 812 and enters a top collar814 before passing over its respective outlet tubing 806 c. On the lowerside of the control assembly 800, the plunger 804 c then passes througha lower collar 816 c and couples with a base 818 c. By pressing on theplunger 804 c, a wearer is able to toggle the control assembly betweenopening and closing the outlet tubing 806 c. The plunger 804 c includesa locking mechanism that keeps the plunger in the closed state whenactivated by a user. For example, a user may depress the plunger 804 cto close off outlet tubing 806 c and then turn the plunger aquarter-turn to engage a locking feature on the lower collar 816 c orbase 818 c that holds the plunger 804 c against the force exerted by thecompressed spring 812. To release the plunger 804 c and open the outlettubing 806 c, a user can turn the plunger back a quarter-turn, releasingthe locking feature and allowing the spring 812 to extend.

FIG. 25 illustrates the opening and closing mechanism employed by theplungers 804 a-d. As shown in FIG. 25, plunger 804 c is blocking off theoutlet tubing 806 c while plunger 804 a is allowing fluid flow throughthe outlet tubing 806 a. In the closed configuration shown, the plunger804 c is in a raised configuration as the spring 812 c is expanded. Inthis orientation, the plunger base 818 c presses on the tubing 806 c andcloses the outlet from fluid flow. In contrast, the plunger 804 a isdepressed in the open configuration such that the spring 812 a iscompressed. In this orientation, the plunger base 818 a does not pinchthe outlet tubing 806 a and this outlet is open for fluid flow. A usermay toggle a plunger between the closed configuration of plunger 804 cand the open configuration of plunger 804 a by depressing the plungerand engaging or unlocking a locking mechanism that either holds thespring 812 a compressed or allows the spring to expand as shown for thespring 812 c.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merelyillustrative and is not to be limited to the details given herein. Whileseveral embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, itshould be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods andtheir components may be embodied in many other specific forms withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

Various modifications will occur to those of skill in the art afterreviewing this disclosure. The disclosed features may be implemented inany combination and subcombinations (including multiple dependentcombinations and subcombinations) with one or more features describedherein. The various features described or illustrated above includingany components thereof may be combined or integrated into other systems.Moreover, certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Examplesof changes, substitutions and alterations are ascertainable by oneskilled in the art and could be made without departing from the scope ofthe information disclosed herein. All references cited herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety and made part of thisapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve for use in an inflatable orthopedicdevice, comprising: fluid inlet means; a plurality of fluid outletmeans; and a fluid control means that is positionable in two or moreorientations; wherein a first fluid path passing through the center ofthe fluid control means is created between the fluid inlet means and afirst of the fluid outlet means when the fluid control means ispositioned in a first orientation, and a second fluid path passingthrough the center of the fluid control means is created between thefluid inlet means and a second of the fluid outlet means when the fluidcontrol means is positioned in a second orientation.
 2. The valve ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid control means comprises an outer housing andan inner flow director, the outer housing having a plurality of flowpassages, each flow passage passing from an inner opening in an interiorsurface of the outer housing to an outer opening at an end of one of theinlet or outlet ports.
 3. The valve of claim 2, wherein the inner flowdirector comprises an interior flow channel, the interior flow channelhaving first and second openings in an outer surface of the inner flowdirector.
 4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the first opening of theinterior flow channel is in fluid communication with the opening of theinlet port in the interior surface of the outer housing when the controlis positioned in each of the first and second orientations.
 5. The valveof claim 3, wherein the second opening of the interior flow channel isin fluid communication with an opening of a first of the plurality ofoutlet ports in the interior surface of the outer housing when thecontrol is position in the first orientation, and the second opening ofthe interior flow channel is in fluid communication with an opening of asecond of the plurality of outlet ports in the interior surface of theouter housing when the control is position in the second orientation. 6.The valve of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet means and the plurality ofoutlet means extends at a downward angle from an exterior surface of thefluid control means.
 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein each of the fluidinlet means and the plurality of outlet means has a flow channel thatextends at a downward angle from an exterior surface of the controlmeans.
 8. The valve of claim 7, wherein each of the fluid inlet meansand the plurality of outlet means has a first opening at the exteriorend of the fluid inlet means, each of the first openings lying in afirst common plane.
 9. The valve of claim 8, wherein the fluid inletmeans comprises an inlet port, and the plurality of outlet meanscomprises an outlet port, wherein said outlet port has a second openingat the interior end of the port, at least one of the second openingslying in a second plane different than and parallel to the first commonplane.
 10. The valve of claim 9, wherein each of the inlet port and theplurality of outlet ports has a second opening at the interior end ofthe port, each of the second openings lying in a second plane differentthan and parallel to the first common plane.
 11. The valve of claim 6,wherein the first fluid flow path passes from an exterior opening of thefluid inlet means upward at an angle into the center of the controlmeans, across the center of the control means, and downward at an anglethrough an exterior opening of the first of the plurality of outletmeans.
 12. The valve of claim 6, wherein the second fluid flow pathpasses from an exterior opening of the inlet means upward at an angleinto the center of the control means, across the center of the controlmeans, and downward at an angle through an exterior opening of thesecond of the plurality of outlet means.
 13. The valve of claim 1,wherein the control means comprises a rotatable dial.
 14. The valve ofclaim 13, wherein the dial comprises a rotatable dome shaped bodycoupled to the control.
 15. The valve of claim 14, wherein the domeshaped body comprises a concave inner portion, and the control extendsfrom the concave inner portion
 16. The valve of claim 15, wherein theinlet means and plurality of outlet means extend from the control meanswithin the concave inner portion.